AFI-48-125(AF-dosime..

BY ORDER OF THE 

SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE 

AIR FORCE INSTRUCTION 48-125 

1 MARCH 1999 

Aerospace Medicine 

THE US AIR FORCE PERSONNEL 

DOSIMETRY PROGRAM 

OPR: AFMOA/SGOR (Lt Col Don W. Jordan) Certified by: HQ USAF/SG (Lt Gen Charles H. 

Roadman II) 

Supersedes AFI 48-125, 25 July 1994. Pages: 45 

Distribution: F 

This instruction implements AFPD 48-1, Aerospace Medicine Program and AFPD 40-2, Radioactive 

Materials (Non-Nuclear Weapons). It defines responsibilities and procedures for conducting the US Air 

Force Personnel Dosimetry Program for ionizing radiation and for maintaining the USAF Master Radiation 

Exposure Registry (MRER). This instruction directs collecting and maintaining information subject 

to the Privacy Act of 1974 authorized by 10 U.S.C. 8013 and Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 

6055.8, Occupational Radiation Protection Program. Systems of Records F044 AF SG O applies. This 

instruction applies to all Air Force military and civilian personnel occupationally exposed to ionizing 

radiation sources as part of their official duties as an employee of the Air Force regardless of whether or 

not the Air Force owns or controls those ionizing radiation sources. Send recommendations and suggested 

improvements on AF Form 847, Recommendation for Change of Publication, through channels 

to the Air Force Medical Operations Agency/Radiation Protection Division (AFMOA/SGOR), 110 Luke 

Avenue, Suite 405, Bolling AFB DC 20332-7050. 

SUMMARY OF REVISIONS 

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY 

NOTICE: This publication is available digitally on the SAF/AAD WWW site at: http://afpubs.hq.af.mil. 

If you lack access, contact your Publishing Distribution Office (PDO). 

This publication substantially revises AFI 48-125, USAF Personnel Dosimetry Program, 25 July 1994. It 

updates procedures for investigating over exposures and abnormal exposures to ionizing radiation, introduces 

new terminology, revises procedures for collecting and processing bioassay samples, implements 

policy for accomplishing planned special exposures, introduces guidelines to help the installation Radiation 

Safety Officer (RSO) evaluate the circumstances under which occupational radiation monitoring 

should be provided, details procedures for non-routine monitoring, for reporting of summary information, 

and for ensuring that radiation exposure monitoring services provided for non-Air Force personnel working 

in AF facilities are properly documented and results are transmitted to the individual’s principal 

employer.

2 AFI48-125 1 MARCH 1999 

Chapter 1—USAF PERSONNEL DOSIMETRY PROGRAM 5 

1.1. Purpose......................................................................................................................... 5 

1.2. Program Eligibility .................................................................................................... 5 

Chapter 2—RESPONSIBILITIES 6 

2.1. Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Environment, Safety and Occupational 

Health) ....................................................................................................................... 6 

2.2. The Surgeon General (HQ USAF/SG). ..................................................................... 6 

2.3. Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (HQ AFMC/CC). ................................. 6 

2.4. Commander, HQ 311th Human Systems Wing (311th HSW/CC): ........................... 6 

2.5. Director, Institute of Environment, Safety, Occupational Health and Risk Assessment, 

through the USAF Center for Radiation Dosimetry (IERA/SDRD) ......................... 6 

2.6. Director, Institute of Environment, Safety, Occupational Health and Risk Assessment, 

through the Radioanalytical Branch (IERA/SDRR).................................................... 7 

2.7. Installation Commander through the Installation RSO .............................................. 7 

2.8. Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) Commander: ...................................................... 7 

2.9. Bioenvironmental Engineering (BE)/Installation RSO: ............................................ 7 

2.10. Unit Commanders With Individuals in the USAF Personnel Dosimetry Program .... 8 

2.11. Supervisors of Individuals in the USAF Personnel Dosimetry Program: ................. 8 

2.12. Individual Participants in the USAF Personnel Dosimetry Program: ....................... 9 

Chapter 3—CONDUCTING AN INSTALLATION-LEVEL DOSIMETRY PROGRAM 10 

3.1. General. ...................................................................................................................... 10 

3.2. Monitoring Criteria: ................................................................................................... 10 

3.3. Monitoring Period: ..................................................................................................... 11 

3.4. Determining Prior Occupational Dose: ...................................................................... 11 

3.5. Personnel Monitoring for Exposure to Radiation from External Radiation Sources . 13 

3.6. Personnel Monitoring for Exposure to Radiation from Internally Deposited Radioactive 

Materials ...................................................................................................................... 13 

Chapter 4—WEARING, STORING, AND HANDLING DOSIMETERS 15 

4.1. Wear and Handling of Dosimeters. ............................................................................ 15 

4.2. Storing Dosimeters. ................................................................................................... 16 

Chapter 5—PERSONNEL MONITORING FOR PREGNANT RADIATION WORKERS 17 

5.1. Installation Radiation Safety Officer (RSO): ............................................................. 17

AFI48-125 1 MARCH 1999 3 

5.2. IERA/SDRD: ............................................................................................................. 17 

Chapter 6—NON-ROUTINE DOSIMETRY 18 

6.1. Monitoring of Workers on Extended Temporary Duty (TDY): ................................ 18 

6.2. Members or Employees of Other Services or Federal Agencies Who Are Exposed to 

Ionizing Radiation in Air Force Operations ................................................................ 18 

6.3. Visitors (Occasionally-Exposed Individuals): ........................................................... 19 

6.4. Individuals Voluntarily Exposed to Radiation Sources as Subjects in Biomedical 

Research .................................................................................................................... 19 

6.5. Special Survey Dosimeters: ....................................................................................... 19 

6.6. Planned Special Exposures: ....................................................................................... 19 

Chapter 7—ABNORMAL EXPOSURES 21 

7.1. Abnormal Exposures: ................................................................................................ 21 

Table 7.1. Abnormal Exposure Criteria. ..................................................................................... 21 

7.2. Notification. ............................................................................................................... 21 

7.3. Investigation. .............................................................................................................. 22 

7.4. Written Report. .......................................................................................................... 22 

Chapter 8—OVEREXPOSURES 23 

8.1. Potential Overexposure Identified by IERA. ............................................................. 23 

Table 8.1. Overexposure Criteria. ............................................................................................... 23 

8.2. Potential Overexposure Identified by the Installation. .............................................. 23 

8.3. Removal from Duties. ................................................................................................ 24 

8.4. Termination of Investigation. .................................................................................... 24 

Chapter 9—FORMS, LISTINGS, RECORDS AND REPORTS 25 

9.1. General: ...................................................................................................................... 25 

9.2. Listing 1523, Dosimetry Data. ................................................................................... 25 

9.3. Listing 1499, Report of Occupational Exposure to Ionizing Radiation. ................... 25 

9.4. AF Form 1527-1, Annual Report of Individual Occupational Exposure to ionizing 

Radiation...................................................................................................................... 26 

9.5. AF Form 1527-2, Cumulative History of Individual Occupational Exposure to Ionizing 

Radiation .................................................................................................................... 26 

9.6. AF Form 2753, Radiological Sampling Data. ........................................................... 26 

9.7. NRC Form 4. .............................................................................................................. 26


9.8. Statistical Summaries of Dosimetry Results: ............................................................. 26 

Chapter 10—THE USAF MASTER RADIATION EXPOSURE REGISTRY (MRER) 28 

10.1. General. ...................................................................................................................... 28 

10.2. Responsibilities .......................................................................................................... 28 

10.3. Forms Prescribed ....................................................................................................... 28 

Attachment 1—GLOSSARY OF REFERENCES AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION 29


Chapter 1 

USAF PERSONNEL DOSIMETRY PROGRAM 

1.1. Purpose. Each person who routinely works with radioactive materials or ionizing radiation-producing 

machines could receive an occupational exposure to ionizing radiation. Occupational exposure 

includes exposures from sources external to the body (i.e., x-ray machines, various radioactive sources) 

and exposures from internally deposited radionuclides (i.e., ingested, inhaled or absorbed). Occupational 

radiation exposures do not include exposures to naturally occurring background radiation and or exposures 

received as a patient undergoing medical diagnosis or treatment. The USAF Personnel Dosimetry 

Program (hereafter referred to as the dosimetry program) is designed to monitor, when necessary, occupational 

radiation exposures. All dosimetry program monitoring results are maintained permanently in the 

USAF Master Radiation Exposure Registry which is maintained by the Institute for Environment, Safety, 

Occupational Health and Risk Assessment/Radiation Dosimetry Branch (IERA/SDRD), 2402 E. Drive, 

Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5001. 

1.2. Program Eligibility . 

1.2.1. The dosimetry program monitors all Air Force and Air National Guard military and civilian 

members, identified by the installation Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), as requiring personnel dosimetry 

per this instruction. 

1.2.2. Active duty members and civilian employees of other DoD agencies: 

1.2.2.1. Individuals in this category may receive personnel monitoring under terms of agreements 

entered into between the IERA/SDRD, Air Force Center for Radiation Dosimetry and the 

Radiation Dosimetry Centers of their respective DoD agencies or services. 

1.2.2.2. All personnel monitoring results for individuals in this category will be stored in the 

USAF Master Radiation Exposure Registry (MRER) and in addition will be reported to the 

responsible Service or Agency dosimetry center. 

1.2.3. Individuals employed by Federal, State, or Local government agencies outside the DoD may 

receive personnel monitoring from IERA/SDRD on a fee-for-services basis under terms of agreements 

entered into between IERA/SDRD and their agency radiation safety office.


Chapter 2 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

2.1. Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Environment, Safety and Oc c upati onal 

Health)(SAF/MIQ). Provides oversight for all Air Force policy related to environment, safety and occupational 

health. 

2.2. The Surgeon General (HQ USAF/SG). Provides policy guidance for operating the dosimetry program 

and ensures the program complies with Federal rules and regulations, DoD and Air Force policy, 

and accepted scientific practice. 

2.3. Commander, Air Force Materiel Command (HQ AFMC/CC). Implements the dosimetry program 

through operational control of the US Air Force Center for Radiation Dosimetry (IERA/SDRD). 

2.4. Commander, HQ 311th Human Systems Wing (311th HSW/CC): Provides the facilities, technical 

expertise and personnel for operating the US Air Force Center for Radiation Dosimetry (IERA/ 

SDRD). 

2.5. Director, Institute of Environment, Safety, Occupational Health and Risk Assessment (IERA/ 

CC), through the US Air Force Center for Radiation Dosimetry (IERA/SDRD): 

2.5.1. Establishes and maintains accreditation for the personnel dosimetry program through the 

National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP), administered by the National Institute 

of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the following categories at a minimum: 

2.5.1.1. Whole body dosimeters - Low and high-energy photons (protection and accident ranges); 

beta particles; neutrons; and mixtures (NVLAP performance test categories I-VIII, inclusive). 

2.5.1.2. Extremity dosimeters - Low and high-energy photons; beta particles (NVLAP performance 

test categories I-C, II-A, III, and IV-C). 

2.5.1.3. Neutron dosimeters - Neutrons and high-energy photons (NVLAP performance test categories 

IV and VIII). 

2.5.2. Provides, processes and analyzes NVLAP accredited thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) 

for external monitoring of personnel identified by the installation RSO as meeting criteria in Chapter 

1, Paragraph 1.2. 

2.5.3. Prepares and provides reports, listings or other documentation as may be necessary to ensure 

installation RSO has information necessary to effectively administer the installation level program. 

2.5.4. Provides on-call technical assistance to the installation RSO, or other individuals as may be 

appropriate, on external radiation dosimetry and program operation. 

2.5.5. Ensures all dosimetry results, both internal and external, are incorporated into the USAF 

MRER. 

2.5.6. Briefs the USAF Radioisotope Committee at its quarterly meeting on program status and statistical 

trends for the previous quarter.


2.5.7. Provides a written annual summary report and briefing at the 1st quarter meeting of the USAF 

Radioisotope Committee which details program status and statistical trends for the previous year. 

2.5.8. Establishes and operates a deployable Field Laboratory for Assessing Radiation Exposure 

(FLARE) which provides external and internal dosimetry capability to support peacetime and wartime 

ionizing radiation monitoring requirements. 

2.6. Director, Institute of Environment, Safety, Occupational Health and Risk Assessment (IERA/ 

CC), through the Radioanalytical Branch (IERA/SDRR): 

2.6.1. Establishes and maintains comprehensive radioanalytical capability necessary to assess potential 

internal deposition of radioactive material by Air Force personnel. 

2.6.2. Processes and analyzes bioassay samples in accordance with scientifically established and 

approved analytical procedures. 

2.6.3. Provides bioassay results, and any documentation necessary for their interpretation, to the 

requesting installation RSO and also IERA/SDRR for incorporation into the MRER. 

2.6.4. Provides on-call technical support to the installation RSO or other field activities, as may be 

appropriate, on internal bioassay requirements and methods. 

2.7. Installation Commander through the Installation RSO. Ensures occupational radiation exposure 

received by installation personnel is kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA), and when 

required (see Chapter 1), is properly assessed and documented. NOTE: The installation RSO will be the 

Installation Bioenvironmental Engineer unless otherwise directed in writing by the Installation Commander. 

2.8. Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) Commander: 

2.8.1. Recommends to the installation commander that personnel be relieved from duties that could 

involve further radiation exposure when individuals have been or are likely to be exposed to ionizing 

radiation in excess of limits specified in 10 CFR 20. (Also see paragraph 8.1.). 

2.8.2. Accomplishes tests as may be necessary to medically evaluate an individual’s exposure to radiation 

in the event of a potential over-exposure. 

2.8.3. Ensures pregnant individuals working in potential occupational radiation exposure environments 

are referred to the Installation RSO (Bioenvionmental Engineering) for assessment and possible 

enrollment in the dosimetry program on a monthly monitoring frequency. NOTE: Pregnant 

individuals referred to the Installation RSO who are already enrolled in the dosimetry program will be 

placed on a monthly badge exchange frequency (see paragraph 3.2.7.). 

2.9. Bioenvironmental Engineering (BE)/Installation RSO: 

2.9.1. Conducts the dosimetry program per the latest version of the USAF Personnel Dosimetry Program 

Manual published by IERA/SDRD and this instruction. Note: In some rare instances, program 

management may be assigned to other offices and individuals depending on the organizational structure 

and the availability of suitable radiation expertise. 

2.9.2. Determines individuals and work areas meeting one or more of the monitoring conditions specified 

in paragraph 3.2.


2.9.3. Determines the type of external monitoring required (i.e., body, head, extremity, beta/gamma/ 

neutron) required, the length of the monitoring period, and the type and scope of any bioassay procedures 

(i.e., urine sampling, fecal sampling, etc). 

2.9.4. Requests records of an individual’s prior occupational radiation dose, as detailed in paragraph 

3.2. of this AFI, prior to registering an individual in the dosimetry program. 

2.9.5. Briefs personnel enrolling in the dosimetry program on the following: 

2.9.5.1. Proper wear and storage of TLDs and procedures for collecting any required bioassay 

samples. 

2.9.5.2. Hazards associated with ionizing radiation and methods to keep their exposure ALARA. 

2.9.5.3. (For female personnel): 

2.9.5.3.1. Hazards associated with exposure to ionizing radiation during pregnancy. 

2.9.5.3.2. Their responsibility to report to PH as soon as possible following confirmation of 

pregnancy, and the need to be placed on a monthly dosimeter exchange frequency (see paragraph 

3.2.7.). 

2.9.6. Ensures Air Force personnel being monitored by other than IERA/SDRD or having bioassay 

samples analyzed by other than IERA/SDRR (e.g., Veterans Administration Hospital results for an 

Air Force radiologist, nuclear medicine technicians having positive I-131 thyroid scans, persons 

moonlighting in jobs involving radiation exposure) are aware of requirement to provide copies of any 

monitoring results, and forwards copies to IERA/SDRD for inclusion in the MRER. 

2.9.7. Establishes program for monitoring visitors. 

2.9.8. Reports and investigates abnormal and over exposures per this instruction (see Chapter 7 and 

Chapter 8). 

2.9.9. Requests priority processing from IERA/SDRD for dosimeters issued to pregnant workers or 

used in planned special exposures. 

2.9.10. Maintains and reviews forms and listings received from IERA/SDRD to ensure accuracy and 

completeness and promptly notifies IERA/SDRD of any changes as may be appropriate. 

2.10. Unit Commanders With Individuals in the USAF Personnel Dosimetry Program: Ensures 

the unit implements all the requirements of this instruction. 

2.11. Supervisors of Individuals in the USAF Personnel Dosimetry Program: 

2.11.1. Ensure badges are properly worn and handled per this instruction. 

2.11.2. Refer newly assigned personnel, visitors who will enter into an area requring the wearing of 

radiation dosimetry, to BE for entry into the dosimetry program prior to starting work involving occupational 

exposure to ionizing radiation. 

2.11.3. Promptly refer pregnant personnel to BE for placement into the monthly monitoring program. 

2.11.4. Review the Listing 1499 and associated installation RSO comments and take whatever action 

might be necessary to address errors or possible adverse trends.


2.11.5. Maintain Listing 1499 and provide dosimetry results to personnel upon request. Forms are 

maintained until the installation RSO has distributed AF Form 1527-2 to individuals covering the 

same monitoring period. 

2.12. Individual Participants in the USAF Personnel Dosimetry Program: 

2.12.1. Provide the installation RSO with all relevant personnel dosimetry information. Such information 

includes, but is not limited to listing prior history of occupational radiation exposure. 

2.12.2. Review dosimetry results provided by IERA/SDRD via Listing 1499, AF Form 1527-1 

and(or) AF Form 1527-2 promptly upon receipt and report any errors noted to the installation RSO. 

2.12.3. Comply with any requirements for bioassay sample collection. 

2.12.4. Properly use issued dosimeters per instructions provided by the installation RSO and in this 

AFI. The Air Force may take Uniform Code of Military Justice disciplinary action against anyone 

who willfully engages in deliberate exposure, destruction, contamination, falsification, or tampering 

with dosimeters, bioassay samples, or records of dosimetry results.


Chapter 3 

CONDUCTING AN INSTALLATION-LEVEL DOSIMETRY PROGRAM 

3.1. General. Detailed guidance on managing installation-level dosimetry programs is contained in the 

latest version of the USAF Personnel Dosimetry Program Instruction Manual. Copies of this Manual 

may be obtained upon request from IERA/SDRD, 2402 E. Drive, Brooks AFB TX 78235-5501. 

3.2. Monitoring Criteria: Eligible persons (see paragraph 1.2.) shall be entered into the dosimetry program 

if any of the following apply: 

3.2.1. The sum of an individual’s deep dose equivalent (DDE) and internal committed effective dose 

equivalent (CEDE) or total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) could exceed 0.5 rem (500 milli-Roentgen 

Equivalent Man(mrem) or 5 milliSievert (mSv)) in a year. 

3.2.2. The sum of an individual’s DDE and committed dose equivalent (CDE) to any organ, other 

than the lens of the eye, could exceed 5 rem (5000 mrem or 50 mSv) in a year. 

3.2.3. The lens dose equivalent (LDE) (i.e., dose to the eye) could exceed 1.5 rem (1500 mrem or 15 

mSv) in a year. 

3.2.4. An individual’s shallow dose equivalent could exceed 5 rem (5000 mrem or 50 mSv) in a year 

to the skin or to the extremities (forearms, hands, lower legs, and feet). 

3.2.5. Any adult individual likely to receive, in a year, an intake (i.e., inhale, ingest and/or absorb) in 

excess of 10 percent of applicable annual limits of intake (ALI). The ALIs for NRC-licensed radioactive 

material are in 10 CFR 20, Appendix B, Table 1, columns 1 and 2. The Surgeon General will provide, 

as necessary, ALIs and related air and water concentrations for radioactive material used under 

Air Force authority but not listed in 10 CFR 20, Appendix B. 

3.2.6. The individual is younger than 18 years of age and is authorized to work within a radiation area 

or to handle radioactive materials, and who has the potential to receive a DDE in excess of 0.1 rem 

(100 mrem or 1 mSv) in a year. 

3.2.7. All pregnant occupationally-exposed workers having the potential to receive DDE in excess of 

0.1 rem (100 mrem or 1 mSv) over the gestation period. 

3.2.8. Individuals entering a high or very high radiation area (see Terms). 

3.2.9. Any individual likely to receive in the current year a cumulative radiation dose exceeding any 

of the limits listed above when combined with occupational dose received earlier in the same year 

while employed by any other employer (10 CFR 20.1201(f)). 

3.2.10. Personnel monitoring may be provided to individuals not meeting any of the above criteria if 

the installation RSO determines the following applies: 

3.2.10.1. The type of radiation to which the individual could be exposed is detectable by the personnel-monitoring 

program; and, 

3.2.10.2. Provision of monitoring services would be helpful in demonstrating compliance with 

ALARA; or 

3.2.10.3. Monitoring is desirable to evaluate potential exposure conditions to allay public concern.


3.2.11. Occupations Normally Not Requiring Monitoring: Monitoring is normally not required for 

individuals working exclusively with the following types of ionizing radiation sources. 

3.2.11.1. Dental X-Ray: Experience has shown doses to personnel working with or around x-ray 

machines (i.e., panorex and intraoral) to be below 10 mrem per quarter. This is primarily due to 

the well collimated x-ray beams, positioning of the tubehead close to the patient which minimizes 

scatter, and adherence to good safety procedures (i.e., utilizing the principles of time, distance and 

shielding). Dosimetry should only be provided in the event of extenuating circumstances such as 

mass casualty identification duty or for purposes described in paragraphs 3.2.10. 

3.2.11.2. Baggage X-Ray: Experience has shown dose to personnel working with or around baggage 

x-ray units to be essentially negligible provided unit shielding and safety interlocks are functional. 

Dosimetry should only be provided for purposes described in paragraph 3.2.10. 

3.2.11.3. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Office of Special Investigation (OSI) Pulsed 

X-Ray Units: Experience has shown doses to personnel working with or around pulsed x-ray units 

(non-fluoroscopic) used by EOD and OSI personnel to be negligible provided good safety procedures 

are followed (i.e., adherence to time, distance and shielding principles). Use of the EOD 

Mk-32 X-ray system does not require personnel dosimetry. Dosimetry should only be provided 

for purposes described in paragraph 3.2.10. NOTE: EOD and OSI occasionally will use a fluoroscopic 

type x-ray system. If this is the case, dosimetry may be necessary to assess exposure 

conditions as discussed in paragraph 3.2. 

3.3. Monitoring Period: 

3.3.1. General. Personnel monitoring service is provided on a scheduled basis as determined by an 

evaluation conducted by the installation RSO taking into consideration factors such as prior exposure 

history of the unit for individuals performing similar duties, prior exposure history of the individual 

beginning work as an occupational radiation worker, the potential for accumulating radiation doses at 

a high or irregular rate, training of individuals, and other factors. 

3.3.2. Normal Exchange Frequency: 

3.3.2.1. Past experience indicates that most occupational radiation exposure circumstances 

encountered within the US Air Force can be adequately monitored by use of dosimeters 

exchanged on a quarterly basis. Use of quarterly monitoring periods (i.e., 3-month) generally 

provides greater accuracy for low dose rate environments. 

3.3.2.2. Monitoring at shorter frequencies (e.g. monthly) is generally appropriate only under special 

circumstances, as detailed below. 

3.3.2.2.1. Occupational radiation workers who are pregnant will be monitored on a monthly 

basis (see Chapter 5). 

3.3.2.2.2. Certain operations having an exceptionally high radiation exposure potential (i.e., 

greater than 1.25 rem per quarter) may necessitate a monthly exchange frequency. 

3.4. Determining Prior Occupational Dose: 

3.4.1. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), in 10 CFR 20.2104, requires that individuals 

being enrolled in personnel monitoring programs provide information regarding their past history of 

occupational radiation exposure.


3.4.2. For each individual who is likely to receive, in a year, an occupational dose requiring monitoring, 

the installation RSO shall: 

3.4.2.1. Determine the occupational internal and external radiation dose received during the current 

year. 

3.4.2.2. Attempt to obtain the records of cumulative occupational radiation dose. 

3.4.3. Prior to permitting an individual to participate in a planned special exposure, the installation 

RSO shall determine 

3.4.3.1. The internal and external doses from all previous planned special exposures; and 

3.4.3.2. All doses in excess of the limits (including doses received during accidents and emergencies) 

received during the lifetime of the individual. 

3.4.4. In complying with the requirements of this section, the installation RSO may: 

3.4.4.1. Accept, as a record of the occupational dose that the individual received during the current 

year, a written signed statement from the individual, or from the individual’s most recent 

employer for work involving radiation exposure, that discloses the nature and the amount of any 

occupational dose that the individual may have received during the current year, or; 

3.4.4.2. Accept, as the record of cumulative radiation dose, an up-to-date AF Form 1527-2 

obtained from IERA/SDRD so long as the individual certifies by signature that the AF Form 

1527-2 contains records of his or her complete radiation exposure history, or; 

3.4.4.3. Accept, as the record of cumulative radiation dose, an up-to-date NRC Form 4, Cumulative 

Occupational Exposure History, or equivalent, signed by the individual and counter-signed by 

an appropriate official of the most recent employer for work involving radiation exposure, or the 

individual’s current employer; and 

3.4.4.4. Obtain reports of the individual’s dose equivalents from the most recent employer for 

work involving radiation exposure or the individual’s current employer by telephone, telegram, 

electronic media, or letter. Written verification of dose data will be requested if the authenticity 

of the transmitted report cannot be established. 

3.4.4.5. The installation RSO, as required by this section, shall take into account an individual’s 

prior exposure history and ensure any additional occupational radiation exposure received as a 

result of Air Force or concurrent moonlighting operations does not exceed allowable occupational 

exposure limits as specified in 10 CFR 20. Individuals whose prior exposure history exceeds 

allowable occupational exposure limits will not be entered into the dosimetry program. Individuals 

who exceed the applicable occupational exposure limit, either as a result of Air Force or concurrent 

moonlighting activities, will be immediately removed from all duties involving 

occupational radiation exposure. 

3.4.5. If the installation RSO is unable to obtain a complete record of an individual's current and previously 

accumulated occupational dose, the installation RSO shall assume: 

3.4.5.1. In establishing administrative controls for the current year, that the allowable dose limit 

for the individual is reduced by 1.25 rems (12.5 mSv) for each quarter for which records were 

unavailable and the individual was engaged in activities that could have resulted in occupational 

radiation exposure; and


3.4.5.2. That the individual is not available for planned special exposures. 

3.5. Personnel Monitoring for Exposure to Radiation from External Radiation Sources: 

3.5.1. All persons monitored by the Air Force through IERA/SDRD, or working for the Air Force but 

monitored by another agency, must be registered in the USAF Personnel Dosimetry Program. 

3.5.2. IERA/SDRD sends dosimeters to the installation RSO or medical organization conducting the 

dosimetry program along with a Listing 1523 that contains information on all registered individuals. 

3.5.3. At the end of each monitoring period, the installation RSO exchanges the dosimeters and ships 

the old dosimeters, along with the Listing 1523 for that monitoring period, to IERA/SDRD, 2402 E. 

Dr, Brooks AFB Texas 78235-5501. IREA/SDRD needs to receive the packages by the tenth working 

day of the month to facilitate processing and result reporting. Include the control dosimeters with 

these shipments. Ensure Listing 1523 is not mutilated in any way and all original information is legible. 

3.5.4. IERA/SDRD processes all dosimeters and sends the installation RSO a Listing 1499 with the 

individual exposures for the monitoring period. 

3.5.4.1. The installation RSO reviews the Listing 1499 and distributes a copy to the supervisors of 

the monitored individuals. 

3.5.4.2. The installation RSO evaluates any administrative dose assigned by IERA/SDRD on the 

Listing 1499 due to lost or damaged dosimeters to determine the most likely dose received by the 

individual for the given monitoring period as follows: 

3.5.4.2.1. The most likely dose will be determined by averaging the individual’s dose over the 

last 4 monitoring periods (last 12 monitoring periods for individuals on a monthly monitoring 

cycle, or; 

3.5.4.2.2. In the event the individual has been monitored for less than 4 periods, then the 4 

monitoring period average of the highest individual in the applicable occupational code will be 

used. 

3.5.4.2.3. The installation RSO will prepare a written memo to IERA/SDRD with the revised 

dose estimate. This memo should be countersigned by the individual and forwarded to IERA/ 

SDRD. Once received, IERA/SDRD will update the MRER. 

3.5.4.2.4. The installation RSO should review subsequent Listing 1499s to ensure the change 

has been made. 

3.5.5. IERA/SDRD annually provides the installation RSO with an AF Form 1527-2 for each individual 

entered on the dosimetry program. The installation RSO provides these forms to each individual 

on the dosimetry program within 30 days following receipt. 10 CFR 19.13(c) states the installation 

RSO will establish a system (e.g., logbook, copy of AF Form 1527-2 signed by the individual) to document 

receipt of this information by the individual. 

3.6. Personnel Monitoring for Exposure to Radiation from Internally Deposit e d Ra dioactive 

Materials.


3.6.1. All radiobioassay conducted to evaluate individual radiation exposure (radionuclide intake) 

shall be conducted per procedures contained in American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard 

HPS N13.30-1996 and Federal Guidance Report No.11 (EPA-520/1-88-020, 1998). 

3.6.2. The installation RSO identifies personnel and work areas requiring periodic bioassay monitoring, 

the type of bioassay procedures the installation requires, the frequency of bioassay procedures, 

and the length of the monitoring period. The installation RSO coordinates all bioassay programs or 

collections with IERA/SDRR before implementing them. 

3.6.3. At the end of the monitoring period, the installation RSO: 

3.6.3.1. Retrieves and packages the bioassay sample following IERA/SDRR instructions. 

3.6.3.2. Sends packaged samples, along with a completed AF Form 2753, Radiological Sampling 

Data, for each, to IERA/SDRR, 2402 E. Dr, Brooks AFB TX 78235-5501. 

3.6.4. IERA/SDRR processes samples and sends a report to the installation RSO and to IERA/SDRD 

for inclusion in the MRER, Listing 1499 and AF Forms 1527-1 and 1527-2.


Chapter 4 

WEARING, STORING, AND HANDLING DOSIMETERS 

4.1. Wear and Handling of Dosimeters. 

4.1.1. General: 

4.1.1.1. Dosimeters are to be placed in the proper position on the body prior to entering a radiation 

area or handling radioactive materials. Dosimeters are to be removed upon leaving the radiation 

work place and stored in a location designated by the installation RSO. 

4.1.1.2. Each dosimeter hanger is uniquely identified by means of a label provided by IERA/ 

SDRD. If it is necessary to make any changes to this label, the original print must remain legible 

to properly account for the card and dosimeter. 

4.1.1.3. Dosimeter holders must not be inscribed with any type of name, number or other identifying 

information. To ensure accurate dose assessments, dosimeter holders must not be covered 

with any foreign material such as duct tape, masking tape, or labels not furnished by IERA/SDRD. 

4.1.1.4. Each whole body dosimeter holder has a thin mylar window designed to aid in evaluating 

exposures from low energy radiation. Dosimeter holders must be visually inspected before use to 

confirm this window is present and is intact. Dosimeter holders with missing or damaged windows 

are not to be used and must be returned to the installation RSO for exchange. 

4.1.2. Whole Body Dosimeters. This type of dosimeter is designed to measure radiation exposure to 

the whole body (or major portion of the whole body). Whole Body Dosimeters are to be worn on the 

front of the body between the neck and the waist level on the outside of clothing. The front surface of 

the dosimeter faces away from the body. Normally, whole body exposures to beta, gamma, and 

x-radiation are assessed by use of a single whole body dosimeter. 

4.1.2.1. When a lead apron or similar protective garment is used and a separate collar dosimeter is 

not issued (the normal circumstance), the whole body dosimeter is worn on the outside of basic 

clothing and outside the protective garment at neck level. 

4.1.2.2. When a lead apron or similar protective garment is used and a separate collar dosimeter is 

issued, whole body dosimeters are worn on the outside of basic clothing but beneath the protective 

garment. This type of dosimeter configuration is the exception rather than the rule. 

4.1.2.3. In certain situations, multiple dosimeters may be issued. These are generally used to 

assess localized exposures and must never be worn in lieu of the whole body dosimeter. 

4.1.3. Collar Dosimeters: Under the "single badge concept" supplemental collar dosimeters are not 

normally worn. Instead, the whole body dosimeter, worn outside of any protective shielding such as 

a lead apron, is used to assess the maximum dose received by an individual. 

4.1.4. Supplemental Dosimeters: In specialized cases, as determined by the installation RSO, supplemental 

dosimeters may be worn for purposes of assessing radiation exposure beneath a shielded 

apron. This type of dosimeter must be worn beneath any organ shield or lead apron in addition to a 

whole body dosimeter worn outside any protective shielding (see 4.1.3.). The installation RSO must 

annotate the Listing 1523 whenever monitored individuals are issued such a supplemental dosimeter. 

Personnel who are issued supplemental dosimeters must also wear whole body dosimeters outside of 

any protective shielding.


4.1.5. Neutron Dosimeters: Specialized dosimeters issued to monitor occupational exposures to neutron 

radiation. Neutron and whole body dosimeters are always worn simultaneously and are worn in 

the same manner as whole body dosimeters. Examples of circumstances where neutron dosimeters 

may be required include: individuals working around medical or industrial accelerators or other 

sources of neutrons such as plutonium/beryllium calibration sources, Californium-252 radiography 

sources, nuclear reactors, nuclear weapons, etc. Accuracy of neutron dosimetry is greatly enhanced 

when the energy of neutron radiation to which the individual is exposed is known. 

4.1.6. Extremity Dosimeters: Extremity dosimeters (most commonly finger rings) will be worn by 

persons determined by the installation RSO as being likely to exceed 10 percent of the applicable 

extremity dose limit (see paragraph 1.2.). Dosimeters must be worn underneath any protective garments 

(e.g., surgical gloves and leaded gloves). Extremity dosimeters are always worn simultaneously 

with whole body dosimeters. 

4.2. Storing Dosimeters. 

4.2.1. The installation RSO designates dosimeter storage areas remote from ionizing radiation 

sources. The number and location of these storage areas is determined by the installation RSO, as 

needed to support local program needs. 

4.2.2. Dosimeter storage areas must be free of oil, dust, or other contaminants. 

4.2.3. Dosimeters must not be stored in areas of high temperature or moisture. 

4.2.4. A designated control dosimeter must be placed in each dosimeter storage area for the entire 

monitoring period. 

4.2.5. Dosimeters must not be stored in desk drawers, on clothing, inside vehicle glove compartments, 

or in places other than those approved by the installation RSO.


Chapter 5 

PERSONNEL MONITORING FOR PREGNANT RADIATION WORKERS 

5.1. Installation Radiation Safety Officer (RSO): 

5.1.1. Evaluates the exposure potential for each pregnant worker, and advises their attending physician 

accordingly. 

5.1.2. Prescribes protective measures to include possible enrollment in the dosimetry program (if not 

already on the program, and providing potential exists to exceed 100 mrem DDE over the gestation 

period), placement on a monthly versus quarterly dosimetry exchange cycle and priority processing of 

dosimetry by IERA/SDRD. 

5.1.3. Recommends work restrictions necessary to ensure adequate protection of the embry/fetus. 

Assignment of pregnant workers to alternative duties for radiation protection purposes shall be without 

loss of all normal benefits associated with duties from which removed. Pregnant workers are normally 

removed from radiation related duties under the following circumstances: 

5.1.3.1. Past monitoring (internal and external) indicates the worker will receive a whole body 

total effective dose equivalent of greater than 500 mrem over the gestation period, or the potential 

for receiving this dose is considered excessive. 

5.1.3.2. Work involving unsealed radionuclides unless authorized in writing by AFMOA/SGOR. 

5.1.4. The installation RSO notifies IERA/SDRD in writing of pregnant occupational radiation workers 

requiring monthly monitoring and priority reporting of results. This notification should be made 

by facsimile and must include the individual’s name, Social Security Number (SSAN), the installation 

and work area code, the estimated date of conception, and whether or not the worker had any past history 

of external or internal radiation exposure. 

5.2. IERA/SDRD: Monitors pregnant workers on a monthly basis and is responsible for maintaining a 

separate embryo/fetus dose history. Records of the dose to an embryo/fetus will be maintained with the 

record of dose to the mother which is reported on the AF Form 1527-1 and 1527-2. The dose history for 

the embryo/fetus will be kept in a sub-database of the MRER by the mother’s SSAN. The embryo/fetus 

dose is equivalent to the sum of the mother’s deep dose equivalent and internal embryo/fetus dose. Separate 

reporting of the embryo/fetus dose will be provided at the request of the mother.


Chapter 6 

NON-ROUTINE DOSIMETRY 

6.1. Monitoring of Workers on Extended Temporary Duty (TDY): 

6.1.1. TDY for Periods of 90 Days or less: 

6.1.1.1. Individuals going TDY for 90 days or less will take their dosimeter and a designated transit 

control dosimeter with them. 

6.1.1.2. Upon return from TDY, the individual will ensure the dosimeter is turned in for processing 

at the next exchange interval. In no instances will a dosimeter be kept for periods longer than 

6 months. 

6.1.2. TDY for Periods Exceeding 90 Days: 

6.1.2.1. TDY Locations Having an Established Dosimetry Program: While TDY to a location 

with an established dosimetry program, individuals will obtain necessary dosimetry at the TDY 

location. If dosimetry support is being provided by other than IERA/SDRD, the individual is 

responsible for ensuring copies of their dosimetry results are provided to IERA/SDRD for inclusion 

in the MRER. 

6.1.2.2. TDY Locations Not Having an Established Dosimetry Program: Individuals on TDY for 

periods of greater than 90 days to locations without an established dosimetry program will receive 

dosimetry support from their sponsoring organization for the duration of the TDY assignment. 

Support will necessitate providing dosimetry controls and ensuring exchanges are made in a 

timely fashion. Gaining organizations anticipating ongoing requirements of this nature are 

encouraged to establish their own dosimetry programs. 

6.2. Members or Employees of Other Services or Federal Agencies Who Are Occupati onally 

Exposed to Ionizing Radiation From Air Force Operations: 

6.2.1. Individuals employed by other military services or other Federal agencies may on occasion be 

occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation while working under Air Force jurisdiction. Examples 

of circumstances where this could occur include cooperative staffing of military medical treatment 

facilities, joint operations, etc. 

6.2.2. Individuals having a primary employer other than the US Air Force who are occupationally 

exposed under Air Force jurisdiction (i.e., while working with radiation sources subject to licensing, 

permitting, or control of the Air Force) shall be enrolled in the Air Force personnel dosimetry system 

and shall utilize Air Force-provided personnel monitoring. 

6.2.3. The Air Force Master Radiation Exposure Registry (MRER) will maintain dosimetry results 

for individuals in circumstances of paragraph 6.2.2. above. In addition, dosimetry results for these 

individuals will be reported to the individual’s primary employer using procedures established 

between the Air Force Center for Radiation Dosimetry and the counterpart organization in the other 

Federal agency. 

6.2.4. The Air Force Center for Radiation Dosimetry will establish procedures for routinely requesting 

and obtaining dosimetry results from the US Army and US Navy personnel dosimetry centers for


any Air Force personnel who may receive personnel dosimetry services from those centers and will 

incorporate all such results into the MRER as doses obtained outside the Air Force. 

6.3. Visitors (Occasionally-Exposed Individuals): 

6.3.1. The RSO may authorize visitors to enter a radiation area or high radiation area. The installation 

RSO shall advise all visitors of time and distance restrictions to ensure the dose received is less 

than or equal to 0.01 rem. Visitors entering a radiation area may be issued a direct reading dosimeter 

if deemed appropriate by the installation RSO. A direct reading dosimeter shall be provided to all personnel 

entering a high radiation area. The decision to provide a direct reading dosimeter for entry 

into radiation areas should be based on the anticipated exposure potential during a single visit and the 

anticipated number of visits by an individual in a year. Visitors need not be provided a direct reading 

dosimeter if their anticipated exposure is less than 100 mrem/year. If direct reading dosimeters are 

issued, a log of all dosimeter readings will be maintained and include the following: 

6.3.1.1. The date, time and purpose of the visit. 

6.3.1.2. The visitor’s printed name, SSAN, and business address and phone. 

6.3.1.3. The dosimeter’s serial number and calibration date. 

6.3.1.4. The dosimeter reading before and after the visit. 

6.3.1.5. The dosimeter’s net exposure reading and net exposure time. 

6.3.2. The installation RSO reviews all visitor dosimeter logs quarterly. 

6.3.3. The installation RSO ensures IERA/SDRD is provided a copy of all non- zero log readings for 

entry into the MRER within 10 days of the end of the quarterly monitoring period. 

6.3.4. When visitors enter an area where unsealed radioactive material is in use, the installation RSO 

shall ensure appropriate protective clothing or equipment (e.g., respiratory protection, lab coats, shoe 

covers, gloves, etc.) are provided as needed to keep potential doses below 0.01 rem TEDE. 

6.4. Individuals Voluntarily Exposed to Radiation Sources as Subjects in Bio medical Research: 

Exposures of individuals to radiation as subjects in biomedical research must be approved in advance following 

procedures detailed in AFI 40-201. 

6.5. Special Survey Dosimeters: 

6.5.1. The installation RSO may request special survey dosimeters (e.g., dosimeters used for area surveys, 

localized exposure determinations, conducting an exposure investigation) from IERA/SDRD. 

6.5.2. Dosimeters routinely provided by IERA/SDRD will not be used for special surveys unless 

authorized by IERA/SDRD. 

6.6. Planned Special Exposures: 

6.6.1. Planned special exposures will not be accomplished unless prior approval is granted by 

AFMOA/SGOR. Requests for planned special exposure will be signed by the installation commander 

and include the following: 

6.6.1.1. Justification for the planned special exposure.


6.6.1.2. Radiological Work Plan to include precautions to be taken to keep exposures received 

ALARA. 

6.6.1.3. Name, Social Security Account Numbers (SSAN), and cumulative record of lifetime 

radiation exposure history (NRC Form 4 or equivalent) for each individual involved. 

6.6.2. Following approval by AFMOA/SGOR, the installation RSO notifies IERA/SDRD of the 

planned special exposure and provides individual’s name, SSAN, work code and expected date of the 

planned exposure. 

6.6.3. Upon being notified by the installation RSO, IERA/SDRD: 

6.6.3.1. Ensures individuals are entered into the dosimetry program. 

6.6.3.2. Provides dosimeters specifically for use during the planned special exposure. 

6.6.3.3. Provides AF Form 1527-2s for individuals before and after the planned special exposure. 

6.6.3.4. IERA/SDRD/SDRR provides priority processing of planned special exposure dosimeters 

and bioassay samples, respectively. IERA/SDRD provides consolidated external and internal 

results via facsimile to the installation RSO, along with a new AF Form 1527-2. 

6.6.4. The installation RSO provides these results to all individuals involved in the planned special 

exposure within 15 days of determining the dose.6.6.3.4.


Chapter 7 

ABNORMAL EXPOSURES 

7.1. Abnormal Exposures. Any dosimeter and/or bioassay result exceeding any of the values in Table 

7.1: Abnormal Exposure Criteria shall be considered to represent an “abnormal exposure.” 

Table 7.1. Abnormal Exposure Criteria. 

The more restrictive of: Monthly Dosimeter Quarterly Dosimeter 

Total Effective Dose Equivalent >417 mrem >1,250 mrem 

Sum of deep dose equivalent and committed 

dose equivalent to any individual 

organ or tissue other than the lens 

of the eye 

>4,170 mrem >12,500 mrem 

Eye dose equivalent >1,250 mrem >3,750 mrem 

Shallow dose equivalent to skin or extremity 

>4,160 mrem >12,500 mrem 

Internal deposition of any radionuclide >10% of ALI >25% of ALI 

ALARA Constraint >2 S.D. above mean for all 

with same AFSC 

7.2. Notification. When dosimeter or bioassay processing indicates an abnormal exposure, or when a 

dosimeter is not returned and an administrative abnormal dose is automatically assigned, IERA/SDRD 

notifies the installation RSO by telephone, within 72 hours, and follows-up with a facsimile memorandum. 

The memorandum: 

7.2.1. Identifies the dosimeter and/or bioassay sample number. 

7.2.2. Includes the name, SSAN, occupational monitoring code, and Air Force Specialty Code 

(AFSC) of individual involved. 

7.2.3. States the potential source of exposure (i.e., x-ray machine, nuclear medicine, etc). 

7.2.4. Gives a dose equivalent estimate based on the dosimeter results, bioassay concentrations, or 

both. 

7.2.5. Provides instructions for accomplishing the required investigation. 

7.3. Investigation. The installation RSO initiates a formal investigation to determine: 

7.3.1. Circumstances surrounding the abnormal exposure. 

7.3.2. The validity of the dose received. 

7.3.3. The portion of the body exposed. 

7.3.4. Any corrective actions are required to prevent recurrence. 

7.4. Written Report.


7.4.1. The installation RSO submits a written report on the findings of the investigation to IERA/ 

SDRD within 30 days of being notified about the possible abnormal exposure. The report includes: 

7.4.1.1. Name, SSAN, occupational dosimetry code, and AFSC of individual involved. 

7.4.1.2. Description of circumstances surrounding the abnormal exposure. 

7.4.1.3. Estimates of each individual’s dose equivalent to include a detailed discussion of how this 

value was determined. 

7.4.1.4. Root cause of the abnormal exposure. 

7.4.1.5. Corrective actions taken to prevent recurrence. 

7.4.1.6. Statement signed by the individual involved either supporting or contesting the investigation 

report. 

7.4.1.7. Results of any medical examinations. 

7.4.2. IERA/SDRD evaluates the written report and requests any additional information from the 

installation RSO as may be necessary to fully document the dose received, updates the MRER, and 

provides the installation RSO with a revised AF Form 1527-2 for the individual. IERA/SDRD retains 

all supporting documentation for dose assigned. 

7.4.3. The installation RSO will ensure copies of reports validating the occurrence of an abnormal 

exposure are forwarded to AFMOA/SGOR and to the applicable Command Bioenvironmental Engineer 

7.4.4. IERA/SDRD ensures the MRER is updated accordingly.


Chapter 8 

OVEREXPOSURES 

8.1. Potential Overexposure Identified by IERA. Any dosimeter and/or bioassay result exceeding any 

of the values in Table 8.2: Overexposure Criteria shall be considered to represent an “overexposure.” 

Table 8.1. Overexposure Criteria. 

The More Restrictive Of VALUE 

Total Effective Dose Equivalent >5,000 mrem 

Sum of deep dose equivalent and committed dose equivalent 

to any individual organ or tissue other than the lens of 

the eye 

>50,000 mrem 

Eye dose equivalent >15,000 mrem 

Shallow dose equivalent to skin or extremity >50,000 mrem 

Internal deposition of any radionuclide >of applicable ALI 

8.1.1. Notification: 

8.1.1.1. When a dosimeter and (or) bioassay indicates an overexposure may have occurred, 

IERA/SDRD immediately notifies the installation RSO by telephone and follows-up with a facsimile 

letter within 2 hours. Facsimile copies of this letter are provided to the MAJCOM BEE and 

AFMOA/SGOR 

8.1.1.2. Following telephone notification by IERA/SDRD, the installation RSO immediately contacts 

the Unit Commander and requests the individual be removed from all duties involving potential 

radiation exposure until an investigation of the incident can be completed. The installation 

RSO also notifies the MTF Commander, who in turn notifies the installation commander, as 

appropriate. 

8.1.2. Investigation: The installation RSO investigates suspected overexposures in same manner as 

abnormal exposures (see paragraph 7.2.). An overexposure may represent a potentially or overtly 

injurious dose of ionizing radiation. These investigations demand swifter action, more detailed 

reporting procedures, possible medical follow-up, and comprehensive documentation. 

8.1.3. Written Report: The installation RSO provides a written report of the investigation findings 

through the MAJCOM BEE to IERA/SDRD within 7 days of being notified of the potential over 

exposure. Copies of this report are provided to AFMOA/SGOR. The report includes the same information 

as those submitted for an abnormal exposure (see paragraph 7.3.). 

8.2. Potential Overexposure Identified by the Installation. 

8.2.1. An installation RSO who is notified by an individual or suspects a potential overexposure may 

have occurred immediately notifies IERA/SDRD and AFMOA/SGOR by telephone and follows-up 

with a facsimile letter explaining the circumstances. 

8.2.2. Following notification by the RSO, IERA/SDRD immediately provides facsimile instructions 

for performing an investigation, to include any bioassay requirements, and requests the installation


RSO return any dosimeters and (or) bioassays in progress at the time immediately to IERA/SDRD for 

priority processing. 

8.2.3. IERA/SDRR provides priority processing for all bioassay samples collected in overexposure 

investigations and immediately reports the results to the installation RSO by telephone and facsimile 

letter. 

8.2.4. The installation RSO provides a written report of investigation findings to IERA/SDRD within 

7 days following notification or receipt of dosimetry and (or) bioassay results whichever is later. 

Send copies of this report to AFMOA/SGOR. 

8.3. Removal from Duties. Individuals that have possibly received an overexposure will be removed 

from duties involving radiation exposure pending completion of the final investigation report. This 

removal from duty is not to be considered adverse personnel action. If the final investigation report concludes 

the individual received an overexposure, AFMOA/SGOR concurrence must be obtained before 

the exposed individual is allowed to return to radiation related duties. 

8.4. Termination of Investigation. AFMOA/SGOR evaluates the reports and either approves termination 

or requests additional information. Following termination, IERA/SDRD updates the MRER and 

provides a revised AF Form 1527-2 to the installation RSO. The installation RSO ensures the individual 

is given a copy of the revised AF Form 1527-2.


Chapter 9 

FORMS, LISTINGS, RECORDS AND REPORTS 

9.1. General: 

9.1.1. In addition to standard personnel identification information, reports of personnel dosimetry 

results provided by IERA/SDRD include some or all of the following radiation dose values: 

9.1.1.1. Dose Equivalent (rem) 

9.1.1.2. Deep dose equivalent (DDE) 

9.1.1.3. Lens dose equivalent (LDE) 

9.1.1.4. Shallow dose equivalent (whole body) (SDEWB) 

9.1.1.5. Shallow dose equivalent for maximally exposed extremity (SDEME) 

9.1.1.6. Committed Effective Dose Equivalent (CEDE) (rem) 

9.1.1.7. Committed Dose Equivalent for Maximally Exposed Organ (rem) (CDE) 

9.1.1.8. Total Effective Dose Equivalent (rem) (DDE + CEDE) 

9.1.1.9. Total Organ Dose Equivalent (rem) (DDE + CDE) 

9.2. Listing 1523, Dosimetry Data. IERA/SDRD supplies this listing to the installation RSO in duplicate 

along with dosimeters for the next monitoring period. The installation RSO: 

9.2.1. Uses this listing to enter personnel into or delete personnel from the dosimetry program, make 

corrections to personnel or dosimetry data following an investigation, or to show if an individual wore 

a lens or thyroid shield. 

9.2.2. Returns the original copy of Listing 1523 to IERA/SDRD at the end of the monitoring period 

along with dosimeters from the previous monitoring period. 

9.2.3. Retains the duplicate and compares it with the Listing 1499 for that monitoring period to insure 

corrections have been made. 

9.3. Listing 1499, Report of Occupational Exposure to Ionizing Radiation. IERA/SDRD provides 

this listing (equivalent to NRC Form 5), which reports the individual’s external and internal dose equivalents 

for the monitoring period (monthly or quarterly) and cumulative effective and organ dose equivalents 

for the current calendar year, to the installation RSO within 30 days following the monitoring period 

or upon written request. The installation RSO: 

9.3.1. Reviews the Listing 1499 to ensure changes annotated on the previous Listing 1523 have been 

made. 

9.3.2. Annotates errors in the listing or doses under investigation, signs and dates the listing and provides 

a copy to the applicable supervisor of the area being monitored. NOTE: This listing contains 

information protected under the privacy act and is to be treated accordingly. 

9.3.3. Retains until compared with AF Form 1527-1. (Note: Permittees will need to retain copies of 

this listing with their permit information for a period of three years).


9.4. AF Form 1527-1, Annual Report of Individual Occupational Exposure to Ionizing Radiation. 

IERA/SDRD provides this form, which summarizes each individual’s dosimetry (internal and external) 

dosimetry results for the calendar year, to the installation RSO. The installation RSO: 

9.4.1. Reviews and compares the AF Form 1527-1 with the Listing 1499 covering the same period 

and reports any discrepancies to IERA/SDRD who provides a corrected form within 30 days. 

9.4.2. Certifies this review by signing or signature stamping each AF Form 1527-1. 

9.4.3. Makes a reasonable attempt to provide a copy of the AF Form 1527-1 to each monitored individual 

and establishes a system (e.g., logbook, annotation on retained copy, etc ) to document each 

individual’s receipt of the form. As a minimum, documentation should include date provided, individual's 

name and signature verifying receipt, and initials of installation RSO or person providing the 

form. The installation RSO should retain copies of AF Form 1527-1s until new forms are received. 

For individuals who have moved from the installation (e.g., permanent change of station, retirement, 

separation), one attempt will be made to send their AF Form 1527-1 to their last known forwarding 

address. Note: This form contains Privacy Act Information and should be treated accordingly. 

9.5. AF Form 1527-2, Cumulative History of Individual Occupational Expo sure to Ionizing Radiation. 

IERA/SDRD provides this form (equivalent to NRC Form 4), which summarizes an individual’s 

cumulative dosimetry history results: 

9.5.1. Upon written request of the individual, installation RSO, or other authorized organizations and 

individuals. All requests other than those made for official Air Force use must have a release signed 

by the individual for whom the report is requested. 

9.5.2. Prior to and following planned special exposures. 

9.6. AF Form 2753, Radiological Sampling Data. The installation RSO uses this form to submit bioassay 

samples to IERA/SDRR for analysis. The installation RSO: 

9.6.1. Prepares AF Form 2753 before submitting samples to IERA/SDRR for analysis. 

9.6.2. Forwards the original copy of AF Form 2753 to IERA/SDRR with the bioassay sample, and 

maintains a copy until results (i.e., updated 1527-1) are received from IERA/SDRR. 

9.7. NRC Form 4: The installation RSO makes a reasonable effort to collect previous dosimetry histories 

for individuals having either past or present non-Air Force employment. USAF personnel moonlighting 

in jobs where they are monitored for radiation exposure make arrangements to routinely (e.g., based 

on monitoring period, but no less than quarterly) provide these results to the installation RSO. The installation 

RSO ensures these results are forwarded to IERA/SDRD for incorporation in the MRER. The individual 

bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring any non-Air Force dosimetry results become part of the 

MRER. 

9.8. Statistical Summaries of Dosimetry Results: 

9.8.1. Annual Personnel Radiation Exposure Summary (RCS: HAF-SGP(A)9232): 

9.8.1.1. Prior to 1 April of each calendar year, IERA/SDRD shall submit a personnel radiation 

exposure summary report to AFMOA/SGOR as required by AFPD 40-2, Attachment 1.


9.8.1.2. Any data that would make identification of specific individuals possible will be contained 

in an attachment to the report. 

9.8.1.3. This report shall include the following as a minimum: 

9.8.1.3.1. Zero average (all results), non-zero average (only non-zero results), and maximum 

annual TEDE dose for all occupational codes. Codes associated with NRC or radioactive 

material-related activities should be denoted for ease of reference. Results should be presented 

in a bar-chart format and compared to previous year and previous 5 years. 

9.8.1.3.2. Zero average, non-zero average and maximum annual CEDE dose for all occupational 

codes. Results should be presented in bar-chart format and compared to previous year 

and previous 5 years. Codes associated with NRC or radioactive material-related activities 

should be denoted for ease of reference. 

9.8.2. Special Summary Reports. IERA/SDRD will prepare additional special summary reports of 

dosimetry results upon request of AFMOA/SGOR. These reports may contain more detailed information 

than is contained in the Annual Personnel Radiation Exposure Summary. Any data that would 

make identification of specific individuals possible will be separated as an attachment to the main 

body of the report.


Chapter 10 

THE USAF MASTER RADIATION EXPOSURE REGISTRY (MRER) 

10.1. General. In accordance with 10 CFR 19 and 20, the Air Force is required to maintain permanent 

dosimetry records for all persons entered into the dosimetry program. The MRER is a computer database 

maintained by IERA/SDRD. The MRER provides an historical record of dose equivalent data for all persons 

presently or formerly registered in the program. Depending on the age of the data, some internal 

dosimetry results may not be on the MRER, but are instead maintained by IERA/SDRR. IERA/SDRD is 

the sole custodian of the MRER. 

10.2. Responsibilities: 

10.2.1. IERA/SDRD (The USAF Center for Radiation Dosimetry): 

10.2.1.1. Permanently maintains records of all dosimetry, both internal and external, for individuals 

entered into the Dosimetry program. 

10.2.1.2. Identifies and revises incorrect information in the registry to avoid future problems and 

confusion. 

10.2.2. Installation RSO (Dosimetry Account Custodian). The installation RSO reviews all records 

associated with the dosimetry program and reports any corrections to IERA/SDRD via annotation on 

the Listing 1523 or via written correspondence. Correction of individual dose data in the MRER will 

only be made upon receipt of written request signed by the individual. 

10.2.3. Individual. The individual is responsible for reviewing his/her dosimetry results and providing 

any corrections in writing to IERA/SDRD through the installation RSO. 

10.3. Forms Prescribed. AF 1527-1, Annual Report of Individual Exposure to Ionizing Radiation; 

AF 1527-2, Cumulative Report of Individual Exposure to Ionizing Radiation; and AF 2753, Bioassay 

Sampling Data. 

CHARLES H. ROADMAN II, Lt General, USAF, MC 

Surgeon General


Attachment 1 

GLOSSARY OF REFERENCES AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION 

References 

Presidential Directive 

52 FR 178:2822-2834, Radiation Protection Guidance to Federal Agencies for Occupational Exposure, 

24 January 1987 

Department of Defense Instruction 

DoDI 6055.8, Occupational Radiation Protection Program, 6 May 1996 

Air Force Publications 

AFPD 40-2 - Radioactive Materials (Non-Nuclear Weapons), 8 April 1993. 

AFPD 48-1 - Aerospace Medicine Program, 22 July 1993. 

AFI 40-201 - Managing Radioactive Materials in the USAF, 25 July 1994. 

IERA Publications 

USAF Personnel Dosimetry Program Instruction Manual 

Applicable Codes of Federal Regulations 

Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 19 and 20 

Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910 

Selected Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulatory Guides 

8.02--Guide for Administrative Practices in Radiation Monitoring 

8.04--Direct-Reading and Indirect-Reading Pocket Dosimeters 

8.07-- Instructions for Recording and Reporting Occupational Radiation Exposure Data 

8.09--Acceptable Concepts, Models, Equations, and Assumptions for a Bioassay Program 

8.10--Operating Philosophy for Maintaining Occupational Radiation Exposures As Low As Is Reasonably 

Achievable 

8.13--Instruction Concerning Prenatal Radiation Exposure 

8.14--Personnel Neutron Dosimeters 

8.15--Acceptable Programs for Respiratory Protection 

8.18--Information Relevant to Ensuring that Occupational Radiation Exposures at Medical Institutions 

Will Be As Low As Reasonably Achievable 

8.20--Applications of Bioassay for I-125 and I-131 

8.22--Bioassay at Uranium Mills 

8.26--Applications of Bioassay for Fission and Activation Products 

8.29--Instruction Concerning Risks from Occupational Radiation Exposure


8.32--Criteria for Establishing a Tritium Bioassay Program 

8.34--Monitoring Criteria and Methods To Calculate Occupational Radiation Doses 

8.35--Planned Special Exposures 

8.36--Radiation Dose to the Embryo/Fetus 

10.01--Compilation of Reporting Requirements for Persons Subject to NRC Regulations 

Environmental Protection Agency Publication: 

EPA-500/1-88-ORD – Federal Guidance Report No. 11 – Limiting Values of Radionuclide Intake and 

Air Concentration and Dose Conversion Factors for Inhalation, Submersion, and Ingestion, September 

1988 

Health Physics Society (HPS) Standards: 

HPS N13.11-1993 – Personnel Dosimetry Performance – Criteria for Testing, September 1993 

HPS N13.32-1995 – Performance Testing of Extremity Dosimeters, August 1995 

HPS N13.41-1997 – Criteria for Performing Multiple Dosimetry, December 1996 

HPS N13.30-1996 – Performance Criteria for Radiobioassay 

International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Publications: 

33--Protection Against Ionizing Radiation from External Sources Used in Medicine, March 1981. (Supersedes 

ICRP 15 & 21). 

34--Protection of the Patient in Diagnostic Radiology, May 1982. (Supersedes ICRP 16). 

35--General Principles of Monitoring for Radiation Protection of Workers, May 1982. (Supersedes ICRP 

12). 

36--Protection Against Ionizing Radiation in the Teaching of Science, September 1982. (Supersedes 

ICRP 13). 

41--Nonstochastic Effects of Ionizing Radiation, May 1984. 

44--Protection of the Patient in Radiation Therapy, May 1984. 

51--Data for Use in Protection Against External Radiation, March 1987. (Supersedes ICRP 21). 

52--Protection of the Patient in Nuclear Medicine, March 1987. (Supersedes ICRP 17). 

53--Radiation Dose to Patients from Radiopharmaceuticals, March, 1987, 

54--Individual Monitoring for Intakes of Radionuclides by Workers: Design and Interpretation, March 

1987. (Supersedes ICRP 10 & 10A) 

57--Radiological Protection of the Worker in Medicine and Dentistry, October 1989. 

62--Radiological Protection in Biomedical Research, (Also includes Addendum 1 to ICRP Publication 

53, Radiation Dose to Patients from Radiopharmaceuticals, and a Summary of the Current ICRP Principles 

for Protection of the Patient in Diagnostic Radiology), May, 1993 

64--Protection from Potential Exposure: A Conceptual Framework, May 1993


National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Reports: 

32--Radiation Protection in Educational Institutions (1966) 

35--Dental X-Ray Protection (1970) 

36-- Radiation Protection in Veterinary Medicine (1970) 

37--Precautions in the Management of Patients Who Have Received Therapeutic Amounts of Radionuclides 

(1970) 

54--Medical Radiation Exposure of Pregnant and Potentially Pregnant Women (1977) 

59--Operational Radiation Safety Program (1978) 

65--Management of Persons Accidentally Contaminated with Radionuclides (1980) 

68--Radiation Protection in Pediatric Radiology (1981) 

69--Dosimetry of X-Ray and Gamma-Ray Beams for Radiation Therapy in the Energy Range 10 keV to 

50 MeV (1981) ; 1982) 

71--Operational Radiation Safety—Training (1983) 

73--Protection in Nuclear Medicine and Ultrasound Diagnostic Procedures in Children (1983) 

79--Neutron Contamination from Medical Electron Accelerators (1984) 

80--Induction of Thyroid Cancer by Ionizing Radiation (1985) 

82--SI Units in Radiation Protection and Measurements (1985) 

84--General Concepts for the Dosimetry of Internally Deposited Radionuclides (1985) 

87--Use of Bioassay Procedures for Assessment of Internal Radionuclide Deposition (1987) 

89--Genetic Effects from Internally Deposited Radionuclides (1987) 

93--Ionizing Radiation Exposure of the Population of the United States (1987) 

94--Exposure of the Population in the United States and Canada from Natural Background Radiation 

(1988) (Supersedes NCRP Report No. 25) 

95--Radiation Exposure of the U.S. Population from Consumer Products and Miscellaneous Sources 

(1988) (Supersedes NCRP Report No. 56) 

98--Guidance on Radiation Received in Space Activities (1989) 

100--Exposure of the U.S. Population from Diagnostic Medical Radiation (1989) 

101--Exposure of the U.S. Population from Occupational Radiation (1989) 

102--Medical X-Ray Electron Beam and Gamma-Ray Protection for Energies Up to 50 MeV (Equipment 

Design, Performance and Use (1989) (Supersedes NCRP Report No. 33) 

104--The Relative Biological Effectiveness of Radiation of Different Quality (1990) 

105--Radiation Protection for Medical and Allied Health Personnel (1989) (Supersedes NCRP Report No. 

48)


107--Implementation of the Principle of As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) for Medical and 

Dental Personnel (1990) 

114--Maintaining Radiation Protection Records (1992) 

115--Risk Estimates for Radiation Protection (1993) 

116--Limitation of Exposure to Ionizing Radiation (1993) (Supersedes NCRP Report No. 91) 

121--Principles and Application of Collective Dose in Radiation Protection (1995) 

122--Use of Personal Monitors to Estimate Effective Dose Equivalent and Effective Dose to Workers For 

External Exposure to Low-LET Radiation (1995) 

124--Sources and Magnitude of Occupational and Public Exposures from Nuclear Medicine Procedures 

(1996) 

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Publications: 

Handbook No. 150 – National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program – Procedures and General 

Requirements March 1994 

Handbook No 150-4 – National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program – Ionizing Radiation 

Dosimetry, August 1994, 

Special Publication 812 – Criteria for the Operation of Federally-Owned Secondary Calibration Laboratories 

(Ionizing Radiation), October 1991 

Technical Note 1297 – Guidelines for Evaluating and Expressing the Uncertainty of NIST Measurement 

Results, September 1994 

Abbreviations and Acronyms 

AF—Air Force 

AFI—Air Force Instruction 

AFPD—Air Force Policy Directive 

AFSC—Air Force Specialty Code 

AFMC—Air Force Materiel Command 

AFMOA/SG—Air Force Medical Operations Agency/ Environmental and Occupational Health Division 

AFMOA/SGOR—Air Force Medical Operations Agency/ Radiation Protection Division 

ALARA—’’As Low As is Reasonably Achievable’’ 

ANG—Air National Guard 

ANSI—American National Standards Institute 

BE—Bioenvironmental Engineering 

Bq—Becquerel 

CC—Commander 

cm—centimeter (length)


cm 2 —square centimeter (area) 

CDE—Committed Dose Equivalent 

CEDE—Committed Effective Dose Equivalent 

CFR—Code of Federal Regulations 

Ci—Curie 

DAC—Derived Air Concentration 

DLA—Defense Logistics Agency 

DSWA—Defense Special Weapons Agency 

DoE—The United States Department of Energy. 

DoD—The United States Department of Defense 

DoDI—Department of Defense Instruction 

EOD—Explosive Ordinance Disposal 

EPA—The United States Environmental Protection Agency 

EPD—Electronic Personnel Dosimeter 

HSC—Human Systems Center 

HQ—Headquarters 

HQ AFMC/CC—Commander, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command 

HQ USAF/SG—Headquarters, United States Air Force Surgeon General 

IERA—Institute for Environment, Safety, Occupational Health Risk Assessment (formerly Det 1, HSC/ 

OE) 

IERA/SDRR—Institute for Environment, Safety, Occupational Health Risk Assessment/Radioanalytical 

Services Branch 

IERA/SDRD—Institute for Environment, Safety, Occupational Health Risk Assessment/USAF Center 

for Radiation Dosimetry (formerly Det 1,HSC/SDRD) 

ICRP—International Commission on Radiological Protection 

mg—milligram 

mrem—milli-Roentgen Equivalent Man 

MRER—Master Radiation Exposure Registry 

mSv—milli-Sievert 

MTF—Medical Treatment Facility 

MPH—Military Public Health 

NVLAP—National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program 

NCRP—National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements


NIST—National Institute of Standards and Technology 

NRC—The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission or its duly authorized representatives. 

OSI—Office of Special Investigation 

PCS—Permanent Change of Station 

PDO—Publication Distribution Office 

PH—Public Health 

rad—Radiation Absorbed Dose 

RPO—Radiation Protection Officer 

rem—Roentgen Equivalent Man 

RSO—Radiation Safety Officer 

SG—Surgeon General 

SSAN—Social Security Account Number 

TDY—Temporary Duty 

TEDE—Total Effective Dose Equivalent 

TLD—Thermoluminescent Dosimeter 

TSG—The Surgeon General 

US—United States 

USAF—United States Air Force 

USAFR—United States Air Force Reserve 

U.S.C.—United States Code 

WWW—World Wide Web 

Terms 

Abnormal Exposure—An exposure received in any monitoring period that, if continued at the same rate, 

would exceed the limits specified in 10 CFR 20. Determine an abnormal exposure dose equivalent by 

dividing the applicable (stochastic or nonstochastic) annual limit by the number of monitoring periods 

during the year. For stochastic exposures, an abnormal exposure is 417 mrem (4.2 mSv) to the whole 

body for any monthly monitoring period and 1250 mrem (12.5 mSv) for any quarterly monitoring period. 

In addition, internal deposition of any radionuclide exceeding 10 percent ‘of the applicable ALI in one 

month or 25 percent of the applicable ALI in one calendar quarter is considered to be an abnormal 

exposure. 

Absorbed dose—The energy imparted by ionizing radiation per unit mass of irradiated material. The 

units of absorbed dose are the rad and the gray (Gy) (1 rad = 0.01 Gy). 

Act—The Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), as amended. 

activity—The rate of disintegration (transformation) or decay of radioactive material. The units of 

activity are the curie (Ci) and the becquerel (Bq).


administrative dose (administratively assigned dose)—An arbitrary value assigned in a dose report in 

cases where a dosimeter is not returned for processing at the end of the wear period, is damaged, or which 

cannot be evaluated due to other factors. Numerically, the values assigned are as shown in table A1.1. 

Administratively assigned doses must be investigated by the installation RSO as "Abnormal Exposures" 

following the procedure detailed in Chapter 7 of this AFI. 

Table A1.1. Administrative Dose Assigned for Lost, Damaged, or Not Returned Dosimeters. 

Monthly Dosimeter Quarterly Dosimeter 

Total Effective Dose Equivalent 417 mrem 1,250 mrem 

Shallow dose equivalent to skin or 

extremity 

4,160 mrem 12,500 mrem 

Adult—An individual 18 or more years of age. 

airborne radioactive material—Radioactive material dispersed in the air in the form of dusts, fumes, 

particulates, mists, vapors, or gases. 

airborne radioactivity area—A room, enclosure, or area in which airborne radioactive materials, 

composed wholly or partly of licensed material, exist in concentrations (1) In excess of the derived air 

concentrations (DAC) specified in appendix B, to Secs. 20.1001-20.2401, or (2) To such a degree that an 

individual present in the area without respiratory protective equipment could exceed, during the hours an 

individual is present in a week, an intake of 0.6 percent of the annual limit on intake (ALI) or 12 

DAC-hours. 

ALARA - Acronym for “As Low As is Reasonable Achievable”—Making every reasonable effort to 

maintain exposures to radiation as far below established dose limits as is practical consistent with the 

purpose for which the licensed activity is undertaken, taking into account the state of technology, the 

economics of improvements in relation to state of technology, the economics of improvements in relation 

to benefits to the public health and safety, and other societal and socioeconomic considerations, and in 

relation to utilization of nuclear energy and licensed materials in the public interest. Samples of good 

ALARA practices may be found in NRC Regulatory Guides 8.10, 8.18, 8.31, and 10.8. 

Annual limit on Intake (ALI)—The derived limit for the amount of radioactive material taken into the 

body of an adult worker by inhalation or ingestion in a year. ALI is the smaller value of intake of a given 

radionuclide in a year by the reference man that would result in a committed effective dose equivalent of 

5 rems (0.05 Sv) or a committed dose equivalent of (HT ) 50 rems (0.5 Sv) to any individual organ or 

tissue. (ALI values for intake by ingestion and by inhalation of selected radionuclides are given in Table 

1, Columns 1 and 2, of appendix B to Secs. 20.1001-20.2401), Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 

20 (10 CFR 20). 

background radiation—Radiation from cosmic sources; naturally occurring radioactive materials, 

including radon (except as a decay product of source or special nuclear material) and global fallout as it 

exists in the environment from the testing of nuclear explosive devices. ’’Background radiation’’ does not 

include radiation from source, byproduct, or special nuclear materials regulated by the NRC. 

becquerel (Bq)—The SI unit of radioactivity equivalent to one nuclear transformation per second. One 

curie is 3.7 X 10 10 (37 billion) Bq. 

bioassay (radiobioassay)—The determination of kinds, quantities or concentrations, and, in some cases,


the locations of radioactive material in the human body, whether by direct measurement (in vivo 

counting) or by indirect (in vitro) analysis and evaluation of materials excreted or removed from the 

human body. 

byproduct material—(1) Any radioactive material (except special nuclear material) yielded in, or made 

radioactive by, exposure to the radiation incident to the process of producing or utilizing special nuclear 

material; and (2) the tailings or wastes produced by the extraction or concentration of uranium or thorium 

from ore processed primarily for its source material content, including discrete surface wastes resulting 

from uranium solution extraction processes. Underground ore bodies depleted by these solution 

extraction operations do not constitute ’’byproduct material’’ within this definition. 

calendar quarter—A period of time of not less than 12 consecutive weeks nor more than 14 consecutive 

weeks. The first calendar quarter shall begin in January or begin with the dosimetry issue cycle closest to 

January. Subsequent calendar quarters shall begin within 12 or 14 weeks of that date so that no day is 

included in both quarters or omitted from a quarter. 

Class (or lung class or inhalation class)—A classification scheme for inhaled material according to its 

rate of clearance from the pulmonary region of the lung. Materials are classified as D, W, or Y, which 

applies to a range of clearance half-times: for Class D (Days) of less than 10 days, for Class W (Weeks) 

from 10 to 100 days, and for Class Y (Years) of greater than 100 days. 

collective dose—The sum of the individual doses received in a given period of time by a specified 

population from exposure to a specified source of radiation. 

Commission—(See Nuclear Regulatory Commission) 

Committed Dose Equivalent (CDE) (HT,50 )—The dose equivalent to organs or tissues of reference (T) 

that will be received from an intake of radioactive material by an individual during the 50-year period 

following the intake. 

Committed Effective Dose Equivalent (CEDE) (HE,50 )—The whole body dose equivalent obtained by 

adding the products of the weighting factors applicable to each of the body organs or tissues that are 

irradiated and the committed dose equivalent (HE,50 ) these organs or tissues, where HT,50 is the 

committed (organ) dose equivalent to an individual organ from a current uptake that will be delivered 

over the 50 years following the uptake. CEDE applies specifically to the dosimetry of internally 

deposited radionuclides. 

CEDE = H E,50 = ΣW T H T,50 

constraint (dose constraint)—A value above which specified actions are required. 

control dosimeter—A dosimeter that measures the background radiation accumulated during the transit 

and storage of personnel dosimeters. 

controlled area—An area, outside of a restricted area but inside the site boundary, access to which can be 

limited by the licensee for any reason. 

critical organ—That organ which will sustain the greatest absorbed dose and whose associated damage 

by a radionuclide entering the human body will result in greatest potential impairment to the body due to 

the organ’s radiosensitivity. 

Deep-Dose Equivalent (DDE) (Hd )—Applies to external whole-body exposure. The dose equivalent at


a tissue depth of 1 cm (1000 mg/ cm 2 ) beneath the outer surface of the skin. 

Derived Air Concentration (DAC)—The concentration of a given radionuclide in air which, if breathed 

by the reference man for a working year of 2,000 hours under conditions of light work (inhalation rate 1.2 

cubic meters of air per hour), results in an intake of one ALI. DAC values are given in Table 1, Column 

3, of appendix B to Secs. 20.1001-20.2401. 

Derived Air Concentration-hour (DAC-hour)—The product of the concentration of radioactive 

material in air (expressed as a fraction or multiple of the derived air concentration for each radionuclide) 

and the time of exposure to that radionuclide, in hours. A licensee may take 2,000 DAC-hours to represent 

one ALI, equivalent to a committed effective dose equivalent of 5 rems (0.05 Sv). 

dose (radiation dose)—A generic term that includes: absorbed dose, dose equivalent (HT ), effective 

dose equivalent (HE ), committed dose equivalent (CDE), committed effective dose equivalent (CEDE), 

or total effective dose equivalent (TEDE). 

Dose equivalent (HT )—The product of the absorbed dose in tissue (DT ) and the quality factor (Q) , and 

all other necessary modifying factors at the location of interest where HT = DTQ. The units of dose 

equivalent are the rem and sievert (Sv) (1 rem = 0.01 sievert). The dose equivalent in Sv is equal to the 

absorbed dose in grays multiplied by the Q; 1 Sv = 100 rems. Its purpose is to have a single unit, 

regardless of the type of radiation, describing the radiation effect on man. See also Deep Dose equivalent, 

Eye-Dose equivalent, and Shallow-Dose equivalent 

dosimetry processor—An individual or organization that processes and evaluates individual monitoring 

equipment in order to determine the radiation dose delivered to the equipment. 

dosimeter—A device that detects and measures accumulated ionizing radiation dose received by 

occupationally exposed individuals. The Dosimetry program uses thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD). 

Examples of other types of dosimeters include film badges, pocket ionization chambers, electronic 

personnel dosimeters (EPD), and CR-39 fast neutron detectors. 

Effective Dose Equivalent (EDE) (HE )—The sum of the products of the dose equivalent to the organ or 

tissue (HT ) and the weighting factors (wT) applicable to each of the body organs or tissues that are 

irradiated (HE = Σ WTHT ). It provides a means for handling radiation situations, varying organ 

sensitivities, and so on and for correlating all exposures to their relative effect on the whole body. 

embryo/fetus—The developing human organism from conception until the time of birth. 

entrance or access point—Any location through which an individual could gain access to radiation areas 

or to radioactive materials. This includes entry or exit portals of sufficient size to permit human entry, 

irrespective of their intended use. 

Exposure—Ionizing radiation may be either produced from machines (x-ray machines, accelerators, etc.) 

or spontaneously emitted by radioactive material. An individual located near such machines or materials 

may be "exposed" to the ionizing radiation emitted therefrom; hence, sustain an exposure. 

external dose—The portion of the dose equivalent received from radiation sources or devices outside the 

body. 

external Emitter—A radionuclide or ionizing radiation producing device which is located external to the 

body.


Extremity—The hand, elbow, arm below the elbow, foot, knee, or leg below the knee 

Generally applicable environmental radiation standards—Standards issued by the EPA under the 

authority of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, that impose limits on radiation exposures or 

levels, or concentrations or quantities of radioactive material, in the general environment outside the 

boundaries of locations under the control of persons possessing or using radioactive material. 

government agency—Any executive department, commission, independent establishment, corporation 

wholly or partly owned by the United States of America, which is an instrumentality of the United States, 

or any board, bureau, division, service, office, officer, authority, administration, or other establishment in 

the executive branch of the Government. 

Gray—Unit of absorbed dose; equivalent to 100 rads. 

high radiation area—An area, accessible to individuals, in which radiation levels from radiation sources 

external to the body could result in an individual receiving a dose equivalent in excess of 0.1 rem (1 mSv) 

in 1 hour at 30 centimeters from the radiation source or from any surface that the radiation penetrates. 

Individual—A human being. 

individual monitoring—(1) The assessment of dose equivalent by the use of devices designed to be 

worn by an individual; (2) The assessment of committed effective dose equivalent by bioassay (see 

Bioassay) or by determination of the time-weighted air concentrations to which an individual has been 

exposed, i.e., DAC-hours; or (3) The assessment of dose equivalent by the use of survey data. 

individual monitoring devices (individual monitoring equipment)—Devices designed to be worn by 

a single individual for the assessment of dose equivalent such as film badges, thermoluminescent 

dosimeters (TLDs), pocket ionization chambers, and personal (‘‘lapel’’) air sampling devices. 

internal dose—That portion of the dose equivalent received from radioactive material taken into the 

body. 

Intake—The amount of radioactive material taken into the body by inhalation, absorption through the 

skin, injection, ingestion, or through wounds. 

internal dose—The portion of the dose equivalent received from radioactive material taken into the 

body. 

internal emitter—A radionuclide that is deposited in the body. 

investigation level—(a) A dose equivalent value or radionuclide intake activity set by the installation 

RSO that requires further investigation when exceeded. Levels are normally tailored to each using 

section’s historical dosimetry data in order to promptly identify and correct adverse trends; (b) The 

CEDE from radioactive material taken into the human body or dose equivalent from an external radiation 

source to which the worker is occupationally exposed which justifies further investigation. Such an 

investigation generally includes a review of the circumstances associated with the apparently abnormal 

internal or external personnel dose equivalent, assessment of the consequences, and mitigation or 

prevention of such a personnel dose equivalent of similar magnitude in the future. 

ionizing radiation—Any electromagnetic or particulate radiation capable of producing ions, directly or 

indirectly in its passage through matter. Ionizing radiation includes gamma rays, X rays, alpha particles, 

beta particles, neutrons, protons, and other particles and electromagnetic waves capable of producing 

ions.


lens-dose equivalent (HE )(LDE)—The dose equivalent to the lens of the eye from external exposure of 

the lens of the eye to some ionizing radiation source. It is measured at an eye lens tissue depth of 0.3 cm 

(300 mg/cm 2 ). 

License—A license issued under the regulations in parts 30 through 36, 39, 40, 50, 60, 61, 70, or 72 of the 

NRC. 

licensed material—Source material, special nuclear material, or byproduct material received, possessed, 

used, transferred or disposed of under a general or specific license issued by the Commission. 

Licensee—The holder of a license. 

limits (dose limits)—The permissible upper bounds of radiation doses. 

lost or missing licensed material—Licensed material whose location is unknown. It includes material 

that has been shipped but has not reached its destination and whose location cannot be readily traced in 

the transportation system. 

Master Radiation Exposure Registry (MRER)—The USAF’s sole permanent record keeping registry 

of occupational ionizing radiation exposures for all personnel (past and present) enrolled in the Dosimetry 

program. The US Air Force Center for Radiation Dosimetry maintains the MRER. 

member of the public—Any individual except when that individual is receiving an occupational dose. 

Minor—An individual less than 18 years of age. 

monitoring (radiation monitoring, radiation protection monitoring)—The measurement of radiation 

levels, concentrations, surface area concentrations or quantities of radioactive material and the use of the 

results of these measurements to evaluate potential exposures and doses. 

National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP)—A program administered by the 

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the accreditation of ionizing radiation 

dosimetry processing laboratories. Accreditation is based on three rounds of open blind performance 

testing and site visits conducted by NVLAP National Technical Experts and is repeated every two years. 

Separate standards applicable to whole body and extremity dosimetry are detailed in NIST Handbook 

150, NIST Handbook 150-4, and standards published by the Health Physics Society. 

nonstochastic effects—Health effects, the severity of which varies with the dose and for which a 

threshold is believed to exist. Radiation-induced cataract formation is an example of a nonstochastic 

effect (also called a deterministic effect). 

Occasionally- exposed individual—An individual whose work is not normally performed in a restricted 

area and whose duties do not normally involve exposure to ionizing radiation or radioactive material. 

Such individuals may, however, have reason to enter a restricted area in the performance of their duties. 

Examples are messengers, deliverymen, and maintenance workers. 

occupational dose—The dose received by an individual in the course of employment in which the 

individual’s assigned duties involve exposure to radiation and/or radioactive material from licensed and 

unlicensed sources of radiation, whether in the possession of the licensee or other person. Occupational 

dose does not include doses received from background radiation, from any medical administration the 

individual has received, from voluntary participation in medical research programs, or as a member of the 

public. 

occupationally-exposed individual—Any individual who receives an occupational dose of radiation as a


result of employment in an occupation involving the use of radioactive material or equipment capable of 

producing ionizing radiation. 

overexposure (quarterly or annual)—Any accumulated or one-time ionizing radiation exposure 

exceeding the limits specified in 10 CFR. 

Permit—A written authorization to possess and use radiation sources issued by AFMOA/SGOR under 

the provisions of NRC Air Force Master Material License. 

Person—Any individual, corporation, partnership, firm, association, trust, estate, public or private 

institution, group, Government agency other than the NRC or the DoE subject to the licensing and related 

regulatory authority of the NRC and/or the Air Force Master Material License. 

planned special exposure (PSE)—An exposure that occurs infrequently during normal operations when 

it is necessary to permit a worker to receive doses in excess of the annual dose equivalent limits. Evaluate 

dose-limiting provisions for planned special exposures separately from and in addition to the 

dose-limiting conditions for normal exposure conditions. AFMOA/SGOR must approve all planned 

special exposures beforehand. 

public dose—The dose received by a member of the public from exposure to radiation and/or radioactive 

material released by a licensee, or to any other source of radiation under the control of the licensee. Public 

dose does not include occupational dose or doses received from background radiation, from any medical 

administration the individual has received, or from voluntary participation in medical research programs. 

Quality Factor (Q)—The modifying factor shown in Table A1.2. that is used to derive dose equivalent 

from absorbed dose. 

If it is more convenient to measure the neutron fluence rate than to determine the neutron dose equivalent 

rate in rems per hour or sieverts per hour, as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, 1 rem (0.01 Sv) of 

neutron radiation of unknown energies may, for purposes of the regulations in this part, be assumed to 

result from a total fluence of 25 million neutrons per square centimeter incident upon the body. If sufficient 

information exists to estimate the approximate energy distribution of the neutrons, the licensee may 

use the fluence rate per unit dose equivalent or the appropriate Q value from Table A1.3. to convert a 

measured tissue dose in rads to dose equivalent in rems.


Table A1.2. Radiation Quality Factors. 

Type of Radiation Quality Factor(Q) Absorbed dose equal toa unit 

dose equivalenta X-, gamma, or beta 1 1 

Alpha particles, multiple-charged 

particles, fission fragments and 

20 0.05 

heavy 

charge 

particles of unknown 

Neutrons of unknown energy 10 0.1 

High-energy protons 10 0.1 

a Absorbed dose in rad equal to 1 rem or the absorbed dose in gray equal to 1 sievert. 

Table A1.3. Neutron Quality Factors. 

Neutron Energy (MeV) Quality Factora(Q) Fluence per unitDose equivalentb(neutrons 

cm -2 rem -1 

(Thermal) 2.5 X 10 -8 

2 980 X 10 6 

1 X 10- 7 

2 980 X 10 6 

1 X 10- 6 

2 810 X 10 6 

1 X 10- 5 

2 810 X 10 6 

1 X 10- 4 

2 840 X 10 6 

1 X 10- 3 

2 980 X 10 6 

1 X 10- 2 

2.5 1010 X 10 6 

1 X 10- 1 

7.5 170 X 10 6 

5 X 10- 1 

11 39 X 10 6 

1 11 27 X 10 6 

2.5 9 29 X 10 6 

5 8 23 X 10 6 

7 7 24 X 10 6 

10 6.5 24 X 106 14 7.5 17 X 10 6 

20 8 16 X 10 6 

40 7 14 X 106 60 5.5 16 X 10 6 

1 X 102 4 20 X 10 6 

2 X 102 3.5 19 X 106 3 X 102 3.5 16 X 106 4 X 102 3.5 14 X 106


a Value of quality factor (Q) at the point where the dose equivalent is maximum in a 

30-cm diameter cylinder tissue-equivalent phantom. 

b 

Monoenergetic neutrons incident normally on a 30-cm diameter cylinder tissue-equivalent 

phantom. 

Quarter—A period of time equal to one-fourth of the year observed by the licensee (approximately 13 

consecutive weeks), providing that the beginning of the first quarter in a year coincides with the starting 

date of the year and that no day is omitted or duplicated in consecutive quarters. 

Radiation Absorbed Dose or Rad—The special unit of absorbed dose. One rad is equal to an absorbed 

dose of 100 ergs/gram or 0.01 joule/kilogram (0.01 gray). 

radiation (ionizing radiation)—Alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, x-rays, neutrons, 

high-speed electrons, high- speed protons, and other particles capable of producing ions. Radiation, as 

used in this part, does not include non-ionizing radiation, such as radio- or microwaves, or visible, 

infrared, or ultraviolet light. 

radiation area—An area, accessible to individuals, in which radiation levels could result in an individual 

receiving a dose equivalent in excess of 0.005 rem (0.05 mSv) in 1 hour at 30 cm from the radiation 

source or from any surface that the radiation penetrates. 

radiation monitoring--Evaluating—or measuring radiation levels and amounts or concentrations of 

radionuclides in air, water, or other materials, to evaluate potential exposures and doses to personnel. 

Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)—An individual, normally a Health Physicist, Bioenvironmental 

Engineer, Department of the Air Force civilian, or a qualified Bioenvironmental Engineering Craftsman, 

designated in writing by the installation commander to manage the radiation safety program for the 

installation or using activity. This person may or may not be the RSO responsible for activities conducted 

under a given USAF Radioactive Materials Permit. (Also referred to as Radiation Protection Officer 

(RPO) 

radiation sources—Material, equipment, or devices which spontaneously generate or are capable of 

generating ionizing radiation. Examples include- nuclear reactors, medical and dental radiographic and 

fluoroscopic x-ray systems, particle generators and accelerators, certain electromagnetic generators 

operating at electrical potentials that result in the production of X rays, X-ray diffraction, industrial 

radiographic, and spectrographic equipment, electron microscopes, electron-beam welding, melting, and 

cutting equipment, nuclear moisture or density gauges, byproduct, source, and special nuclear materials, 

natural or accelerator-produced radioactive materials, materials containing induced or deposited 

radioactivity, and radioactive commodities. 

Radionuclide—A radioactive species of atom characterized by its mass number (A), atomic number (Z), 

and nuclear energy state, provided that the mean life of that state is long enough to be observable. 

reference man—A hypothetical aggregation of human physical and physiological characteristics arrived 

at by international consensus. These characteristics may be used by researchers and public health workers 

to standardize results of experiments and to relate biological insult to a common base. 

Roentgen Equivalent Man or rem—The special unit of any of the quantities expressed as dose 

equivalent. The dose equivalent in rems is equal to the absorbed dose in rads multiplied by the quality 

factor (1 rem = 0.01 sievert) (1 rem = 1,000 millirem) 

respiratory protective device—An apparatus, such as a respirator, used to reduce the individual’s intake


of airborne radioactive materials. 

restricted area—An area, access to which is limited by the licensee for the purpose of protecting 

individuals against undue risks from exposure to radiation and radioactive materials. Restricted area does 

not include areas used as residential quarters, but separate rooms in a residential building may be set apart 

as a restricted area. 

shallow-dose equivalent (Hs )—The external exposure of the skin or an extremity which is taken as the 

dose equivalent at a tissue depth of 0.007 cm (7 mg/cm2 —average depth of the germinal cell layer) 

averaged over an area of 1 cm 2 . 

sanitary sewerage—A system of public sewers for carrying off waste water and refuse, but excluding 

sewage treatment facilities, septic tanks, and leach fields owned or operated by the licensee or permute. 

sievert (Sv)—The SI unit of any of the quantities expressed as dose equivalent. The dose equivalent in 

sieverts is equal to the absorbed dose in grays multiplied by the quality factor (1 Sv = 100 rems). One 

millisievert (mSv) is 0.001 Sv (0.1 rem) (100 mrem) 

site boundary—That line beyond which the land or property is not owned, leased, or otherwise 

controlled by the licensee. 

source material—Uranium or thorium, or any combination of uranium or thorium in any physical or 

chemical form; or Ores which contain by weight one-twentieth of 1 percent (0.05 percent) or more of 

uranium, thorium, or any combination of uranium and thorium. Source material does not include special 

nuclear material. 

Special nuclear material (SNM)—Plutonium, uranium-233, uranium enriched in the isotope 233 or in 

the isotope 235. Any other material the NRC determines to be special nuclear material as defined by 

10 CFR 20 and(or) 10 CFR 70. Special nuclear material does not include source material. 

stochastic effects—Health effects which occur randomly and for which the probability of the effect 

occurring, rather than its severity, is assumed to be a linear function of dose without threshold. Hereditary 

effects and cancer incidence are examples of stochastic effects. 

Survey—An evaluation of the radiological conditions and potential hazards incident to the production, 

use, transfer, release, disposal, or presence of radioactive material or other sources of radiation. When 

appropriate, such an evaluation includes a physical survey of the location of radioactive material and 

measurements or calculations of levels of radiation, or concentrations or quantities of radioactive material 

present. 

Termination—The end of employment with AF and ANG involving personnel radiation monitoring. 

thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD)—A type of dosimeter that uses powdered or solid phosphor 

materials (e.g., Li2B4O7 , LiF, CaSO4 ) to record radiation exposures. When heated, the phosphor emits 

light proportional to the amount of radiation energy absorbed. This type of dosimeter consists of a card 

and a holder (badge). 

total effective dose equivalent (TEDE)—The sum of the deep dose equivalent (Hd ) (for external 

exposures) and the committed effective dose equivalent (for internal exposures), expressed in units of 

either rems or Sv. 

unrestricted area—An area, access to which is neither limited nor controlled for purposes of radiation


protection. 

User—An individual who has been delegated the authority for the use, operation, or storage of radiation 

sources and devices. 

uranium fuel cycle—The operations of milling of uranium ore, chemical conversion of uranium, isotopic 

enrichment of uranium, fabrication of uranium fuel, generation of electricity by a light-water-cooled 

nuclear power plant using uranium fuel, and reprocessing of spent uranium fuel to the extent that these 

activities directly support the production of electrical power for public use. Uranium fuel cycle does not 

include mining operations, operations at waste disposal sites, transportation of radioactive material in 

support of these operations, and the reuse of recovered non-uranium special nuclear and byproduct 

materials from the cycle. 

very high radiation area—An area, accessible to individuals, in which radiation levels from radiation 

sources external to the body could result in an individual receiving an absorbed dose in excess of 500 rads 

(5 grays) in 1 hour at 1 meter from a radiation source or from any surface that the radiation penetrates. 

(Note- For very high doses received at high dose rates, units of absorbed dose (e.g., rads and grays) are 

appropriate, rather than units of dose equivalent (e.g., rems and sieverts)). 

Visitor—A person who does not normally work in an USAF controlled radiation area, but who may be 

authorized to enter the area by the installation RSO providing suitable dosimetry and/or protective 

equipment is available. 

Week—Seven consecutive days starting on Sunday. 

weighting factor w T , for an organ or tissue ( T )—The proportion of the risk of stochastic effects 

resulting from irradiation of that organ or tissue to the total risk of stochastic effects when the whole body 

is irradiated uniformly. For calculating the effective dose equivalent, the values of w T are shown in Table 

A1.4.


Table A1.4. Organ Dose Weighting Factors. 

Organ or Tissue wT Gonads 0.25 

Breast 0.15 

Red bone marrow 0.12 

Lung 0.12 

Thyroid 0.03 

Bone Surfaces 0.03 

Remainder 0.301 

Whole Body 1.002 

10.30 results from 0.06 for each of 5 ‘‘remainder’’ organs (excluding the skin and the lens 

of the eye) that receive the highest doses. 

2 

For the purpose of weighting the external whole body dose (for adding it to the internal 

dose), a single weighting factor, wT =1.0, has been specified. The use of other weighting 

factors for external exposure will be approved on a case-by-case basis until such time as 

specific guidance is issued. 

whole body—For purposes of external exposure, the head, trunk (including male gonads), arms above the 

elbow, or legs above the knee. 

Year—The period of time beginning in January used to determine compliance with the provisions of this 

part. The licensee may change the starting date of the year used to determine compliance by the licensee 

provided that the change is made at the beginning of the year and that no day is omitted or duplicated in 

consecutive years.

AFI-48-125(AF-dosime..

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